Ok ladies and gentlemen, we now have our October what's it live and ready!

 

So far we are 0 for 4! We just can't figure out what these wonderful examples of tools are!

 

The image(s) below is the current MWTCA "What's It" image for you to research, and tell us all here in this topic post, just what the heck is it!

Remember, the first accurate answer wins a one year membership to the awesome organization MWTCA!

For a run down on this project and the rules, please see this page at "The Patriot Woodworker and MWTCA "What's It" project"

 

 

 

So without further Adieu, "What's It!" Submit your answers (and fun commentary) in the reply box. And win a one year membership for MWTCA for your correct answer!

Keep in mind, the MWTCA does not know what this item is either, the image was submitted by one of its members for us to research. Lets help MWTCA find an answer.

Looks like a early version of a caliper

2 minutes ago, Gerald said:

Looks like a early version of a caliper

And so it begins! Great suggestion Gerald!

So you want to draw a circle and .....................someone made a deluxe version.

 

It is a draftsman tool. I used something similar in shop class about 55 years ago. 

By the way, has anyone correctly identified the first ones posted? 

4 minutes ago, Ron Altier said:

So you want to draw a circle and .....................someone made a deluxe version.

 

It is a draftsman tool. I used something similar in shop class about 55 years ago. 

Ok Ron, time to put on the detectives coat, can you search it out and find a pedigree or proof of what you believe it is?

Looks like a pair of pararell scales like you use on a ship's chart for navigation

Looks more like there are a few pieces missing.....

 

I have seen this before, trying to remember what the other parts were like.   More like a depth setter on the side of an early drill press...needs the rest of the parts, though..

 

Might also be on other machines in a shop doing mill work.    Molders and planers......

THIS EXPLAINS IT PRECISELY 

https://people.eecs.berkeley.edu/~wkahan/Trisect.pdf

3 minutes ago, Ron Altier said:

THIS EXPLAINS IT PRECISELY 

https://people.eecs.berkeley.edu/~wkahan/Trisect.pdf

That is compelling Ron, but I don't see any compass style pin apertures or tips for drawing or centering on the work. All the ends are squared off, with no apparent way to attach a drawing implement or point.

28 minutes ago, Chips N Dust said:

Looks like a pair of pararell scales like you use on a ship's chart for navigation

Could be a ships instrument indeed, it's made of solid brass.

This is the closest I could come to @Ron Altier suggestion.

Patent US717871

 

It looks close, but really look at it, it just does not do what the above tool does, in my opinion.

8 hours ago, Ron Altier said:

By the way, has anyone correctly identified the first ones posted? 

Not yet Ron.

The brass guage at left side is set for 1 1/2 inches. The right for 6 3/4 from that. There's another guage for the other side. I'd say it's an old multitool for setting up door jambs with stops and hinges. Old, old walls were thick, not 4 1/2 like today.

^{Is it a layout device?}

 

^Preston

57 minutes ago, steamshovel said:

^{Is it a layout device?}

 

^Preston

Could be Preston, it looks like some kind of layout device, but for what? Tis the question now.

^{Sorry about the small letters on my other post. Could it be for parallel work of some kind?}

 

^Preston

I thought it might be a tile setters measuring/marking tool.  The raised hook would act as a stop for undercut door jambs or other.  Can't find proof so just an idea.

I went to their web site and I did get another clue, its probable origin

 

"Attached is a photo of a solid brass, 12-inch gauge I recently found. It has a scale that is divided into tenths of an inch and is adjusted using a gear rack drive. There are no markings that would help to identify the gauge’s origin and the numbers are hand-stamped. Anyone have any ideas as to the intended use of this item? It probably originated in New England, since that is where it was found."

1 hour ago, Ron Altier said:

I went to their web site and I did get another clue, its probable origin

 

"Attached is a photo of a solid brass, 12-inch gauge I recently found. It has a scale that is divided into tenths of an inch and is adjusted using a gear rack drive. There are no markings that would help to identify the gauge’s origin and the numbers are hand-stamped. Anyone have any ideas as to the intended use of this item? It probably originated in New England, since that is where it was found."

No photo Ron!